Advocacy priorities

Our Advocacy Team works nationwide to achieve our mission by pursuing the following priorities:

Increase global understanding and acceptance of people with autism

Educate legislators and regulators on autism spectrum disorder to ensure policymaking benefits individuals across the spectrum.

Be a catalyst for life enhancing research breakthroughs

Increase funding for autism research at federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Increase early childhood screening and timely intervention

Ensure that individuals with autism have access to the healthcare they need, irrespective of payer (Medicaid, private insurance, etc.).

Improve outcomes for transition to adulthood across the spectrum

Improve the quality and accessibility of employment-focused training systems for individuals with autism and advocate for increased employment opportunities.

Increase equitable access to high-quality postsecondary education opportunities for students with autism.

Ensure access to reliable information and services throughout the lifespan

Increase access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for individuals and increase HCBS capacity to provide meaningful services for people with autism and their families.

Make ABLE accounts widely available. (Tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities created by the Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014.)

Ensure staff across settings have appropriate training, particularly related to challenging behaviors, safety, sensory needs, and augmentative and alternative communication.

Expand support for resources and practices that keep our community safe, including Kevin and Avonte’s Law.